Last Saturday, the European Union (EU) agreed on new digital regulations that would force tech conglomerates like Google and Meta (formerly known as Facebook) to combat misinformation and illegal content on their platforms more aggressively, or else risk potential multibillion-dollar fines.
After a marathon 16-hour negotiation session, the Digital Services Act (DSA) will be adopted by the EU to enforce new policies and procedures on tech companies.
Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition and a key architect of the bloc’s tech regulations, said the act will ensure that "what is illegal offline is also seen and dealt with as illegal online."
Although the broad terms of the DSA have now been agreed, the European Commission has yet to release the final text of the act for it to be officially voted into law.
The legislation will apply to all companies 15 months after the act is voted into law, or from 1 January 2024, whichever is later.
Possible Provisions of the DSA
- Targeted advertising based on an individuals’ religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity is banned and minors cannot be subject to targeted advertising.
- “Dark patterns” — confusing or deceptive user interfaces designed to steer users into making certain choices — will be prohibited.
- Large online platforms like Facebook will have to be transparent to users on their recommender algorithms.
- Hosting services and online platforms will have to explain clearly why they have removed illegal content, as well as give users the ability to appeal such takedowns.
- Online marketplaces must keep basic information about traders on their platform to track down individuals selling illegal goods or services.
- Large platforms will also have to introduce new strategies for dealing with misinformation during crises (a provision inspired by the recent invasion of Ukraine).
